Methanol → Methyl perfluorooctanoate

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Reaction Steps

A 2-1, four-necked, round-bottomed flask equipped with stirrer, addition funnel, thermometer and reflux condenser, is charged with 828 g (2 mol) of dried perfluorooctanoic acid, 160 g (5 mol) of methanol. The mixture is stirred and 50 ml concentrated sulfuric acid is added dropwise. Then the mixture is heated to reflux for 4 hr. At the end of the reflux period the mixture is cooled to room temperature and poured into 2 l cold water. After separation of the phases, the lower organic phase is washed with water till pH neutral and dried over CaCl2. Distillation of the crude gives 762 g (89%) of methyl perfluorooctanoate, bp 160° C.

Provenance & Evidence